RFP 27-21_Youth Council & Provider Network

The City of Somerville, Massachusetts is requesting proposals to create, establish, and facilitate a Youth Council and Youth Worker Network under RFP 27-21, with proposals due October 28, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST and questions due October 21, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST.

The vendor must be an established youth-serving organization in operation for at least three years, with a functional Board of Directors or advisory committee, and demonstrated experience in youth-led civic engagement and youth worker network facilitation. Staff must be trained in positive youth development, trauma-informed approaches, and culturally responsive practices. Compliance with the Somerville Living Wage Ordinance ($18.85 per hour as of July 1, 2026) and wage theft, conflict-of-interest, and applicable insurance and background-check requirements is mandatory.

The Youth Council scope requires facilitation of meetings at least two to three times monthly, provision of stipends to at least ten youth participants, and reporting to the Mayor, Somerville Children's Cabinet, City Council, and School Committee. The Youth Worker Network requires establishment and facilitation of monthly meetings of youth-serving organization staff working directly with youth ages thirteen and older, with coordination of ongoing communication and collaboration among service providers.

The contract is fixed-fee with a budget not to exceed $75,000 per year. Pricing must remain firm for the entire contract period and include detailed cost breakdowns specifying youth stipends. The vendor must demonstrate sustainable funding from multiple sources—federal, state, and local grants and private support—and sound fiscal management practices. The contract commences December 1, 2026 and concludes June 1, 2027, with two optional one-year renewals at the City's discretion. Anticipated award date is November 4, 2026.